Category Archives: Karnataka (under research project)

Father Muller alumnus Dr Ashique K T awarded patent for groundbreaking medical device

Amazing Feats, Business & Economy, Inventions, Innovations (wef. Nov 30th, 2021), Karnataka (under research project), Science & Technology, Scientists (wef. August 27th,m 2023), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Perinthalmanna, (MALAPPURAM), KERALA :

Father Muller Medical College is celebrating a landmark achievement as Dr Ashique K T, an esteemed alumnus of the Department of Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprosy, has been awarded a patent for his innovative medical device, the Dr Ashique’s Skin Clamp.

The patent, issued by the Controller General of Patents, Designs, and Trade Marks of the Government of India (Patent No. 548121, dated November 26, 2020), acknowledges the groundbreaking work of Dr Ashique, who is currently the medical director and senior consultant dermatologist in Perinthalmanna, Kerala. His invention holds far-reaching implications across multiple medical disciplines, including dermatology, dermatosurgery, dental and maxillofacial surgery, hair transplantation, ENT, emergency medicine, general surgery, and gynecology.

The Dr Ashique’s Skin Clamp is a sterilizable, metallic surgical tool designed for use in a wide range of medical procedures. Its versatility and effectiveness have already caught the attention of professionals across various medical fields. The device offers a practical solution to complex surgical challenges and is set to make a significant impact on clinical practices once commercial production begins.

Dr Ashique’s journey toward this patent was marked by close collaboration with his former professors and mentors from the Father Muller Medical College Dermatology Department. Throughout the development and research phases, he regularly sought their advice, leveraging their expertise to refine his innovative design. This spirit of partnership and academic support has been instrumental in transforming his idea into a patented reality.

In a statement, Fr Richard Aloysius Coelho, director of Father Muller Charitable Institutions (FMCI), expressed pride in Dr Ashique’s achievement. “It is a moment of great pride for our institution to witness one of our own making such a meaningful contribution to the medical field. His innovation is a testament to the excellence fostered within the walls of Father Muller Medical College,” said Fr Coelho. The administrative heads of both the medical college and hospital also joined in congratulating Dr Ashique on this remarkable accomplishment.

The Department of Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprosy at Father Muller Medical College continues to shine as a center of excellence, cultivating bright minds who contribute groundbreaking solutions to the medical world. Dr Ashique K T’s patent is just the latest example of how the institution empowers its students to innovate, achieve, and redefine the future of healthcare.

With plans to publish detailed research on the skin clamp’s many uses and the upcoming commercial production, Dr Ashique’s contribution to modern medicine is just beginning to unfold. The medical world is watching eagerly as this revolutionary device prepares to hit the global market.

source: http://www.daijiworld.com / Daijiworld / Home> Top Stories / by Media Release / September 26th, 2024

Social worker Iqbal Manna selected for Swami Vivekananda State Award

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Karnataka (under research project), ,

Brahmagiri (Udupi), KARNATAKA :

 Iqbal Manna, a committed social worker from Brahmagiri, Udupi, has been selected for the prestigious Swami Vivekananda State Award, recognising his tireless efforts to promote Kannada and Tulu languages in Gulf countries. The award is presented by the People’s Council for Human Rights.

Manna has gained recognition for his social and philanthropic activities in Qatar, where he is a founding member of the Qatar Tulu Koota and KMCA Qatar. After returning to India, he continued his involvement with various social organisations.

He has held leadership positions in numerous prominent associations, including the Udupi Giants Group, Haji Abdullah Charitable Trust, Saheban Welfare Trust, Udupi District Muslim Union, Muslim Welfare Association, and the Brahmagiri Hashimi Mosque. His active role in the Udupi District Minorities Forum further highlights his dedication to community welfare.

The award ceremony will be held on September 28 at 5:30 pm at the Lions Bhavan in Brahmagiri, Udupi

source: http://www.daijiworld.com / DaijiWorld.com / Home> Karnataka / by Media Release / September 26th, 2024

City’s Coin Man displays over 1,000 coins from 93 countries

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Karnataka (under research project), , ,

Mysuru, KARNATAKA :

Mysuru:  

A day-long exhibition of coins (from ancient to modern) was organised by Maharaja’s College, in association with the Department of Ancient History & Archaeology and Musicology and the Department of History and Graduate Library, University of Mysore (UoM), at the Library Reference Hall,  Maharaja’s College campus here recently.

The exhibition was by Dr. Abdul Rasheed, popularly known as the ‘Coin Man of Mysore.’ The main objective of the exhibition was to create awareness on the antiquity of Indian Coinage among students and members of the public. The exhibition was inaugurated by H.I. Abdul Rashid, Programme Executive (Co-ordination), All India Radio, Mysuru.

The exhibition featured coins of the next age that were circulated in India by the Indo-Greek kings of North Western India. The coins are mainly made of Silver, Copper, Nickel and Lead. The collection of coins belonged to dynasties like Kalingas, Hoysalas, Cholas, Vijayanagar Moghuls and coins from East India Company, all of which were made of Gold, Silver, Copper, Nickel, Aluminium, Lead and other alloys.

The fascinating collection further included coins from the kingdoms of Kashmir, Jaunpur, Malwa, Diwanpur, Gujarat, Bahmanis, Bengal, Shahi and other princely States which existed during the British rule and prior to it, and also from Goa, Hyderabad, Travancore, Mysore, Arcot, Wadiyars, Pudukottai rulers, Peshwas, Marathas.

A total of 1,200 coins of 93 foreign countries from all continents and belonging to the times of Napoleon, Hitler, Queen Victoria, Tipu Sultan and other rulers were on display.

Also on display were more than 2,000 currency coins of India and other unique coins of many great personalities, events, food, agriculture practices etc., of the past. These coins have been collected with great efforts and persevered carefully over the years. They have also been systematically classified, categorised and fixed on proper display boards. It was an informative exhibition on Numismatics, the study or collection of currency, including coins, tokens, paper money and related objects.

The expo chronicled the decline of coinage, with notings in their number, their appearance and their value. Almost all the coins had inscriptions of their times, mainly in Perso-Arabic-script.

The exhibition, apart from display of collection of coins through the ages from punch marked coins to gold coins from the Moghuls to the imperial coins and coins of post-independent India, also featured coins from third century BC, Ghazni era coins from North India and from Kanishka era coins in South India.

Over a thousand students and members of the public visited the expo.

When asked what drove him to pursue such a time-consuming hobby, Dr. Abdul Rasheed said that it all began with a curiosity to know about coins of different countries, supplemented by fascination and passion.

The journey began in the year 1955 when he was studying in high school, where he used to exchange coins which he had in excess from the collections of his forefathers, he said and added that his grandfather was an Inspector during British rule,who had the hobby of collecting coins.

Continuing, Dr. Rasheed said he used to collect ancient coins whenever he visited historical places during his trips abroad and he has coins from as old as 3rd Century BC.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / March 10th, 2019

Hoof Care: The saga behind bare hands

Business & Economy, Karnataka (under research project)

Mysuru, KARNATAKA :

A few members of the once famed horseshoe maker generation work in cramped spaces on Pulikeshi Road in Tilaknagar, Mysuru. Like the many old structures dotting the area’s landscape that stand amidst high-rises, refusing to change with time’s swift change, these professionals have the unyielding spirit of holding on to the past. 

These horseshoe makers — farriers — are carrying on the legacy till their bodies can take the immense physical endurance demanded by the profession. They harbour no illusions and every time their hammers strike the metal, they know their profession has not many takers.

The invention of horseshoes revolutionised ancient means of trade, transportation and warfare.  It was necessitated as horses were being exposed to harsh conditions on a daily basis that resulted in breakage, wearing off or damage to their hooves. By providing sufficient protection from sharp objects in the ground and the constant stress of travelling hundreds of miles every day, horses became more useable for longer periods of time. 

Strike while the iron is hot: Mohammed Ghouse (standing) and his assistant moulding a shoe

Playing with fire

Moreover, the horses that are equipped with protective foot gear ran faster compared to other horses. However, the work of these farriers is delicate and requires a hard-earned skill. They play with fire and embers to produce that perfect horseshoe to fit the hooves. 

Any wrong design or a wrong hole in the horseshoe makes the animal bleed and would lead to a lot of suffering, even death. Although hooves are strong, even stronger than bones, they sometimes developed cracks because of horseshoes. Damage to hooves must be avoided. Hooves have dead tissues and cannot heal themselves. Any crack that reaches the living tissue inside the hoof becomes a spot for infection that takes the life of the animal.

Age is just a number: 88-year-old Abdul Rasheed (squatting) and his assistant engrossed in making a tong

Beating red-hot iron

Farriers on Pulikeshi Road get the iron from scrap yards, heat them, and beat the hot iron to the desired shape. The efforts of three persons are required to make a U-shaped horseshoe. While one person stokes fire to soften the iron, the other person takes a huge hammer and beats the red-hot iron into desired shape. 

Excessive heat is involved in the process and these men do not wear any protective gear. After the metal is beaten to shape, holes are drilled into horseshoe to nail them to the hooves. And this is taken care of by another person. 

Meagre profits

While U-shaped metal forms the horseshoe for horses, crescent moon shaped shoe is fixed for cows and oxen. These metal pieces wear out quickly and they must be replaced once in two months. Over 20 farriers on  Pulikeshi Road work from an old building. There are seven pits where the fire is stoked and horseshoes weighing over 30 kgs are prepared every day in each pit and the income is shared among the three persons. 

They do not take a single day off and work tirelessly from 6 am to 3 pm. The horseshoes prepared here is primarily supplied to Nanjangud, Mandya, Handpost, H.D. Kote and surrounding areas. The finished horseshoes are taken in a bag and marketed at designated areas. 

Dearth of skilled workers

“Each kilogram of horseshoes is sold at Rs. 150. There is huge demand but we cannot fulfil that as we are facing dearth of skilled workers. Raw materials like iron and coal eat away most of the income and each box of coal costs Rs. 80 and 1 kg of iron costs Rs. 35. Profit is less and we pay a house rent of Rs. 5,000 and we have to maintain the family with the rest of money,” says Fairoz Khan of Aziz Sait Nagar who works as a farrier. 

“My grandfather and father were doing this work and I learnt from them. I have not studied beyond second standard and I have been doing this work since 22 years,” he says. In summer, the sun’s heat and the heat generated while making the horseshoe result in boils and even sparks fly to burn their skin. “We don’t know any other work and if we stop this work, our families will go hungry. There is no alternative,” he says. 

No one-size-fits all rule 

In this skilled work, there is no one-size-fits all rule as hooves are different. Machines cannot produce these horseshoes as there are animals of different age groups. “In the Mysore Race Course, the requirement is for bigger horseshoes which they get from Bengaluru. I have been doing this work since 35 years and I used to work with my father. Even I studied till second standard and I also worked in a scrapyard but returned to this profession,” says 50-year-old Ammanulla Khan. 

These farriers also sell crowbars, files, chisels, pliers and tongs. The 88-year-old Abdul Rasheed has been doing this since 50 years. “Earlier, our life was very busy as horse owners, tongawallas and owners of oxen used to line up before our shops for horseshoes. Now, horses have been limited to races and even tongas and bullock carts have been replaced by automobiles,” Rasheed rues.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Feature Articles / by Rajkumar Bhavaskar / pics by Lakshminarayana Yadav / February 23rd, 2021

Daria Daulat Bagh – an Incredible Painted Palace

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Freedom Fighters (under research project), Karnataka (under research project), Leaders, Martyrs of the Nation, Royal Families, PreIndependence -Descendants (wef. Jan 02nd,2022), Travel & Tourism

Mysuru, KARNATAKA :

India has one of the greatest traditions of paintings on walls. Called murals or frescos, we see a high level of technical excellence, grace and sublime beauty among Indian murals right from the time of Ajanta.

In 1335 AD, the remarkable city of Vijayanagar or the ‘city of victory’ was established in south-central Karnataka. In no time, the city and the empire became a fertile ground for creativity, thanks to the patronage of its powerful King Krishnadeva Rai. A remarkable style of painting evolved with ideas merging from Deccan, Cholas of Tamil Nadu and Jain tradition. When the Vijayanagar Empire collapsed after the battle of Talikota in mid-16th century many of state artists moved to Serirangapatna, a pristine and sacred land surrounded by Cauvery River on all sides. Here they thrived under the royal patronage of the Mysuru Wodeyers. In 1761 AD, the island became the seat of power of Haider Ali Saheb. He and his son Tipu Sulatan established Mysuru as a vibrant Sultanate and continued to patronage the artisan of Vijayanagar ancestry.

Daria Daulat Bagh is a palace situated in the island near the village Ganjam at Seringapatna. The village is set amidst beautiful gardens. It was built by Tipu Sultan in 1784 as his summer palace.

Built entirely out of teakwood, the architecture of the palace shows remarkable fusion of Deccani, Persian and Rajput styles. The most stunning feature of the palace is that all the space available on the walls, pillars, jharokas and arches have colourful fresco work in the style of Vijayanagar-Mysuru paintings.

On the western wall right to the entrance is depicted the battle scene of second Anglo-Mysore war or the battle of Pollilur. The battle had been fought between Haider-Tipu and the British forces, in which Haider and Tipu combated splendidly and won.

The paintings executed by the artists at the instance of Tipu Sultan where primary aim was to glorify their victory over the British. Colonel Bailley, the defeated British officer was taken to Serirangapatna after his defeat. The battle mural is seen in four different panels portraying Tipu and Haider marching in procession towards Pollilur near Kanchipuram. Tipu is depicted in all finery, himself leading the army towards Pollilur riding a beautiful white horse. Baillie sits in a palanquin as he is wounded and biting his pointing figure – a gesture employed by many to signify defeat in dismay.

The climax of the battle scene depict Baillie’s defeat giving special prominence to the explosion of tumbril and to the consternation of the British square colonel.

On the eastern part of the building there are a number of small frames containing figural motifs, architecture in brilliant composition. The most special is the one where the queen is seen seated on a carpet smoking a hookah. Some of the layouts strongly resemble Rajasthani miniature. The other panels illustrate incidents in the lives of princes, rulers and grandees of Tipu’s contemporary and also includes several rajas defeated by him. There are also neighbouring nawabs and kings including the Hindu Rani of Chittore, Rajas of Tanjore, Benaras, and Balajirao Peshwa II.

Come, lets discover the murals of Daria Daulat Bagh and appreciate the legacy of Tipu Sulatan, a brave son of the soil and perhaps one of the earliest freedom fighters.

YOUTUBE

source: http://www.blogvirasatehind.wordpress.com / September 26th, 2016

Awards of the khudadad sarkar: medals from Tipu Sultan’s Mysore

Karnataka (under research project), Leaders

Mysuru, KARNATAKA :

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 February 2023

Abstract

The collection of the Asiatic Society, Calcutta, preserves a manuscript titled Risala-i-Padakah which was formerly in the library of the ruler of Mysore, Tipu Sultan (d. 1799).

This manuscript has descriptions of medals with drawings illustrating their forms.

We investigate the design of these medals and assert that Tipu Sultan understood the importance of rewarding his loyal subordinates with medals, thus transferring his authority down to them.

The ‘People’s Medals’ given to non-combatants, a novel award for those times, are also covered here in detail. We show that some of these medals, reflecting Deccan jewellery traditions, were actually awarded by Tipu Sultan himself to his men, who wore them; and we draw attention to the plunder of these medals, along with other treasures, during the sack of Seringapatam.

The authors also view this as a demonstration of Tipu Sultan’s regard for loyalty, rank, as well as good governance in opposition to estimates of him by contemporary British biographers.

This article is the first documentation of these medals, which were the earliest to be awarded by any state in pre-modern India.

source: http://www.cambridge.org / Cambridge University Press / published online by Cambridge University Press, February 01st, 2023 / by Adnan Rashid and Nidhin Olikara

Link: Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society, Volume 33, Issue 3, July 2023

https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/journal-of-the-royal-asiatic-society/article/abs/awards-of-the-khudadad-sarkar-medals-from-tipu-sultans-mysore/9B18AC9E4856FB44B7353C6A3F3DFE22

An Exhibition of Coins by the Coin Man of Mysore Dr. Abdul Rasheed tomorrow

Karnataka (under research project), , , , ,

Mysuru, KARNATAKA :

Mysuru:

The IQAC Maharaja’s College, Departments of Ancient History & Archaeology and Museology and the Department of History, in association with Graduate Library, University of Mysore, is organising an Exhibition of Coins (from Ancient to Modern) by the Coin Man of Mysore Dr. Abdul Rasheed.

The expo will be inaugurated by H.I. Abdul Rashid, Programme Executive (Coordination), All India Radio (AIR), Government of India, on Mar. 7 at 11 am at the Reference Hall, Graduate Library, Maharaja’s College here.  

The main objective of organising this exhibition is to bring awareness of the antiquity of Indian Coinage among students and the public.  

Numismatics is the study or collection of currency, including coins, tokens, paper money and related objects. The earliest references to coins in the Indian context have been found in the Vedas. Breakthrough in the Indian coinage can be traced back to 6th century BCE. Several small States emerged in Northern India during this period. The trading activities grew rapidly. We come across several terms such as the Nishka, Karshapana, Shatamana, Vimshatika which were coins of different weight and value. They are known among Numismatists as punch-marked coins. The coins of the next age were circulated in India by Indo-Greek kings of North Western India. Coins were mainly made of silver, copper, nickel and lead.

The reign of the Gupta dynasty is described by historians and scholars as the ‘Golden Age’. Numismatists have found many gold coins of this dynasty. These coins are also rich in details of their issuing authority. The gold coins of the Guptas were known as Dinaras.  With the fall of the Gupta dynasty in mid-6th century CE there was a marked decline in commercial activities in Northern India. This period is significant in the history of Indian coinage because of the decline of the monetary system. However, the situation changed with the invasion of Turks in 11th and 12th century CE. The various dynasties of Delhi Sultans issued Silver and Copper coins. The inscriptions on the coins were mainly in Perso-Arabic script.

[Star of Mysore had featured “Dr. Abdul Rasheed: The Coin Man of Mysore” in SOM dated Aug. 21, 2013].

Dr. Abdul Rasheed (MBBS), popularly referred to as Dus ka Doctor as he charged a nominal fees of Rs.10 from poor patients, has an amazing collection of more than 3,000 coins, some of them dating back to as far as 300 BC and some as recent as of today.

Dr. Rasheed who worked for 22 years as a doctor in Saudi Arabia, Iran and Syria is now settled in Mysore and runs a clinic on Ashoka Road. He will be exhibiting his collection of coins through the ages from the Punch Marked Coins to the Gold Coins of the Mughals to the Imperial Coins and Coins of those of the Post-Indian Independence.  Along with these, currencies of six different Continents consisting of 120 countries through the ages will also be exhibited. The exhibition is open to public and there is no entry.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / March 06th, 2019

Mysuru’s Extraordinary individuals share their extraordinary journeys

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Books (incl.Biographies - w.e.f.01 jan 2018 ), Community Involvement / Social Issues, Karnataka (under research project), Uniquely Indian - Inter Faith (wef. February 08th, 2023), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Mysuru, KARNATAKA :

Mysore/Mysuru:

In a unique session, extraordinary individuals from different domains came together for a rare confluence at the Mysuru Literature Festival last evening. They introduced the audience to new perspectives and showcased their talent beautifully.

Abdul Rasheed, Programme Executive, Akashvani, Mysuru, delivered an engaging speech and introduced the audience to the world of new ideas. He explained his journey through various phases of life and how he embraced several individuals from different social strata as his mentors. He expressed his excitement about presenting his distinctive insights, which will provide a more representative portrayal of himself.

Jabbar Samo, a talented Yakshagana artiste from Uttara Kannada district, shared his experiences and motivations. He shed light on the significance of his performances in different aspects of life, both at the societal and personal levels. He also acknowledged the numerous individuals he considers his gurus and how they have influenced him.

He expressed how art flourishes without a specific reason and shared the dedication of Yakshagana artistes, who work without any external motivation. Despite facing difficulties as a member of the Muslim community, Jabbar Samo fearlessly pursued his passion. “Due to the prevailing circumstances, pursuing formal education was not possible, but I found solace in Kannada poems sung at the school, which fuelled my interest in the language,”  he recalled.

Mohammed Kaleemulla, a retired teacher from Nagamangala taluk, dedicated his life to the preservation of historical temples, monoliths and hero stones in Mandya district. He explained the architectural aspects of these stones, their current conditions and the ongoing efforts to safeguard them with the support of Shri Kshetra Dharmasthala. “Many hero stones are being used for mundane purposes like drying clothes. I took it upon myself to inform the villagers and engage in the preservation work,” he said.

Syed Isaq narrated how he had built the library with zinc sheet roof at the corner of a playground in Rajivnagar and has been running it for the benefit of the public for 12 years. He also told the audience how the library was burnt down and his efforts to rebuild it.

“I have never been to school but my love for books gave wings to my dream of setting up a library. I built the library with 85 percent of books in Kannada and newspapers of various languages. My Kannada library is located in an area where there is a majority of the Urdu-speaking population and Kannada language must be propagated in areas like these,” he added.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / July 03rd, 2024

Saira Bano Khan Transforms Lives Through Education in Bijapur Slums

Amazing Feats, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Education, Karnataka (under research project), Leaders, Women/Girls(since May26-2021),

Bijapur, KARNATAKA :

Fifteen years of dedication, resilience, and hope led to a school that uplifts underprivileged children and their families in Karnataka.

New Delhi:

In the heart of Bijapur in Karnataka, one woman’s belief in the transformative power of education has changed the lives of countless children and their families. Saira Bano Khan, who started the New National High School 15 years ago, remains unwavering in her mission to offer children from slum areas a brighter future through learning.

Bijapur city is well known for its historical monuments of architectural importance built during the rule of the Adil Shahi dynasty.

“It all started when I saw the children around my neighbourhood,” Saira Bano said. “Most of them were school dropouts, working odd jobs like selling flowers or working in garages. It pained me to see them wasting their potential,” Sanmarg Hindi newspaper cited her as saying.

With the support of her husband, Saira Bano began a small school in a room of her own house, with only four students and one teacher. Today, New National High School serves 200 students and offers education up to the 12th grade. The school has become a beacon of hope for children from the local slums, particularly those from marginalised communities.

New Path

When Saira Bano started the school, many of the students had no basic manners or discipline. “The children used foul language and had difficulty sitting still,” she recalls. “It took months of patience and guidance to help them change. But now, they are polite, well-mannered, and eager to learn. It’s our greatest success.”

Parents have also become part of the process. Saira Bano organises regular meetings to educate them on their role in shaping their children’s behaviour. “We tell them that building a good life starts with teaching good values at home,” the report quoted her as saying.

Despite these successes, the school faces numerous challenges, especially when it comes to finances. “We struggle with funding,” Saira Bano said. “I dream of building a proper school with a laboratory, library, and playground, but for now, we make do with what we have.”

Commitment to Community

Beyond the classroom, Saira Bano has committed her resources to support the school. She and her husband donated their old family home, consisting of seven rooms, to be used as classrooms. She has also invested her savings in buying land for future school expansion. “I didn’t save much for my children. Instead, I saved to build a wall around the land, hoping one day to construct a proper school,” she said.

Her involvement doesn’t stop at education. During the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, she and her husband distribute groceries and clothes to the students’ families. “Around 40% of the children in our school are orphans or come from extremely disadvantaged backgrounds. My dream is to open a hostel for them.”

Hope Amid Hardship

The COVID-19 pandemic added extra difficulties, with several boys dropping out of school to support their families. “We found some of them working odd jobs during school hours,” Saira Bano recalled. “Our headmistress spoke to their parents and told them they didn’t have to pay any fees, just send their children back to school.” The boys returned, excelled in their studies, and some even achieved distinctions in their exams.

Saira Bano’s work has touched many lives, including a student named Misbah, who was diagnosed with a serious health condition. With no money for surgery, Saira Bano and her headmistress paid for the procedure. “Now, she’s doing well and studying in college,” Saira Bano said with pride.

Instilling Values

Saira Bano’s vision for her students extends beyond academics. She emphasises respect for all religions and cultures. “I teach them about the Gita, Quran, Bible, and other holy books,” she said. “We encourage them to participate in each other’s festivals and to spread love and tolerance. This is how we build a harmonious society.”

The school also focuses on life skills. “We teach boys to respect women, and girls to maintain their dignity,” Saira Bano noted. Her influence on the students’ moral development is reflected in the way older students now correct younger ones when they use inappropriate language. “When I see that, I feel like my work is bearing fruit,” she said.

Looking to the Future

Despite all the challenges, Saira Bano remains hopeful for the future of her school and her students. “I want at least four students from this school to become IAS officers,” she said with a smile. “In sha Allah (God willing), my daughter might also become an IAS officer soon, as she has cleared her CSE exams.”

For Saira Bano Khan, the journey has been one of sacrifice, perseverance, and a deep belief in the power of education. “Our work is rewarding. I love my students, and they love me. Watching them grow into disciplined, responsible individuals is the greatest joy of my life.”

As she continues to nurture the school and its students, Saira Bano’s dream remains clear: to see the children she’s helped grow into adults who will change not only their destinies but that of their entire community.

source: http://www.clarionindia.net / Clarion India / Home> Editor’s Pick> Indian Muslims / by Mohammad Alamullah, Clarion India / September 19th, 2024

Zeenath Baksh Masjid : Piety and Heritage build in Wood

Amazing Feats, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Karnataka (under research project)

Mangalore, KARNATAKA :

When Muslims first arrived on the Indian coast 1400 years ago, the land embraced them with the same grace bestowed on the Aryans, Africans, Zoroastrians, Tibetians, and others. These arrivals have uniquely imprinted their gems on our nation’s social, cultural, and architectural heritage. One such gem is the Zeenath Baksh Masjid built in wood.

The exquisite and ornate wooden sanctum of Zeenath Baksh Masjid | Source: Wikimedia

History has proven time and again that old is gold, both figuratively for its preciousness and literally for the permanence of the shelf life of gold counted over centuries. But if something that is the oldest, counted over centuries, is in wood, wouldn’t it be more precious and rare? When wood that decays and crumbles away naturally survives the burn of time and political upheavals, then it becomes the golden grace of heritage. The Zeenath Baksh Masjid in Mangalore, Karnataka, is one such gem of Indian historical treasures. It has survived for centuries and is not just the only Masjid made of wood but also the oldest in Karnataka and the third oldest in India.

In the seventh century, Hazarath Mohammed Malik Bin Deenar and his small group arrived at the Malabar coast of Kodungallur, with a letter written by the former Cheruman Perumal, who passed away while returning from Mecca. The letter instructed his son, the contemporary raja (king), to provide every kind of hospitality and permission to preach the faith of Islam in the kingdom. After observing the pious and honest nature of the guests, the king granted lands and other amenities within his kingdom. Malik Deenar, the first-generation disciple of Prophet Mohammed, with his group, established ten masjids after the first in Kodungallur. Zeenath Baksh is the second out of the ten and was constructed in 643 AD, currently located in the Bunder area of Mangalore city. It was earlier referred to as Beliye Palli or Malik Dinar Valya Juma-ath Masjidand was built by the kith and kin of Malik Deenar, who continued preaching the tenets after the sahaba (companion) departed from our coast.

The carved wooden pillars attest that old can be golden in wood | Source: Wikimedia

The nayaab nature of the original structure is that, all those centuries ago, it was entirely made of wood. The pristine glory of the wooden sanctum is still maintained by the local people and sponsors. Owing to the historical nature of the religious site, the caretakers of the masjid hope to get the site its due recognition and funding for maintenance from the administration. As the Secretary of the Central Muslim Committee, Mr Hanif Ali, informs,

“We have written to the tourism department and the Wakf Board to develop the mosque into a tourist spot. They have shown interest, but nothing concrete is being done.”

Though the original structure, which now acts like the inner sanctum, is enclosed within stone walls after renovation, the ceiling of this part is also made of wood and protected with a brass sheet.

As Mr Ali states, “Even if the stone walls were removed, the structure would still stand.”

The water tank is ubiquitous to all religious sites in the region | Source: Wikimedia

The present structure holds the legacy of the Tiger of Mysore, Tipu Sultan, who renovated the medieval Masjid during the second half of the 18th century. Though he enhanced the serenity and aesthetics of the heritage, the original model was kept intact. He then renamed the structure after his daughter Zeenath Baksh, and for the past 400 years, it has retained the name. In the 19th century, it was given a new look by adding four minarets while earlier with its tiled roof it used to resemble the Malabar-styled mansion of a local chieftain.

The new look of the Masjid with the outer walls enclosing the original | Source: Deccan Herald

The sanctum is designed with typical Indian architectural blends with the tank within its grounds, keeping in sync with the traditional style of the nearby temples. The carvings on the sixteen pillars that form the perimeter of the prayer hall depict flowers, bells, and Arabic texts narrating anecdotes from the life of the Prophet. The art etched into the wood encapsulates the cultural blends of the region, and each pillar is made of a single block of wood. Despite the rain and humid conditions typical of the belt, the intricacy of the wooden designs has not faded into blurred lines, as usually expected. Even the floor, walls, and doors are adorned with teak wood and rosewood. As the manager of the Masjid shares,

“Every couple of years, we spend more than Rs. 1 lakh to rub in oil to preserve it. Apart from fixing small scratches, we have not modified or replaced any part of the structure.”

Where wooden art is revered in prayers | Source: Mangalore online

Records prove that this house for prayers was established in the Islamic month on the twenty-second day of Jumada al-awwal and approximately on 18 April 643 AD, with Moosa Bin Malik, the son of Malik Bin Abdullah, as the first Qazi (magistrate of the shari’a court). The site is not known just for its worthy heritage, but also for its community activities, which keep the people around bonded in gratitude and harmony. Attesting to the shared communal brotherhood is the Sharavu Ganapathi Temple. Contrary to propagated accusations, the well-known historian, A M Prabhu (who wrote a well-researched history of Tipu Sultan), recorded that the temple was developed by the Sultan, as a tribute to the local Tuluvas, who for centuries, protected the mediaeval Arabs and the Muslims.

The Shrine overlooking the Malabar-style verandah | Source: Mangalore Online

The Masjid is a hub of charitable activities with its sponsored yateemkhana (orphanage), funding the destitute during marriage ceremonies and even conducting funerals free of cost for the ones who cannot afford it. The wide verandah for the past eighty-seven years has also cradled the sacred shrine of the revered Qazi Hazrath Sheikuna Muhammed Moula Jalal Masthan Al Bhukhari.

All in all, the Zeenath Baksh Masjid is one of the gems that adorn our heritage of cultural blends and is a cocoon of brotherhood, serene piety, and harmony in diversity. A site that is the zenith of the glorious South Indian history.

source: http://www.thisday.app / Home / by Waheeda Bi Khan (headline edited)